Brachiacantha felina
This record describes Brachiacantha felina (species). Recorded family: Coccinellidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Gordon's figures this sp. is kinda messed up in that Gordon didn't find the type for felina and he described rotunda as a sympatric n. sp. and later agreed that rotunda should by a synonym of felina , which again has no type...
Identification notes
Gordon's figures
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Coccinelloidea
- Family
- Coccinellidae (Lady Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scymninae
- Tribe
- Scymnini
- Genus
- Brachiacantha (Spurleg Lady Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e. US (MA-VA to IA-TX), absent from s. Atlantic coast - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Brachiacantha felina ( Fabricius 1775)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Brachiacantha felina. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Brachiacantha felina (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Will Chatfield-Taylor; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Brachiacantha felina
What is Brachiacantha felina?
Brachiacantha felina is a species in the family Coccinellidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Brachiacantha felina?
Length 2.2 to 3.0 mm (+ Syn: B. rotunda : 3.1-4.0 mm)
How do you identify Brachiacantha felina?
Gordon's figures
Where is Brachiacantha felina found?
Range: e. US (MA-VA to IA-TX), absent from s. Atlantic coast - Map